Hey everyone! Once again, it's been a while, but boy has life been busy! First off, congratulations Kristin Korda for doing such a fantastic job at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant! She did such a wonderful job and awed the audience with her beautiful rendition of "The Prayer." Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen took the crown, but we all know that Kristin did a fabulous, fun time! I too was thrilled to be there cheering Kristin on. There were three nights of prelims and then the finals. I couldn't believe the talent these teens had! I was almost glad not to be competing with them because they were all phenomenal. Although, if the girls were that good at their age, I'm sure the Miss America contestants are going to be great as well. Speaking of the Miss America contestants, I met them all! This was the first time that ALL 53 contestants were able to cheer their teens on. What amazing young women. I truly felt honored to be put in the same group as these girls who have achieved so much. Although we were together for five days, it was almost impossible to meet every contestant, but the ones I have met so far have been lovely. Not only are they involved in their communities and all in the process of acquiring their degrees, they are poised, well-spoken, and gracious as well. It was a great time. I can't wait for January!

Since then, most of my time has been focused on getting some fundraising together! Because of my busy schedule I am not able to work as much as I would like to, so fundraising is extremely important right now. I have a good core group of people that have been helping me plan a big variety show fundraiser called, (get ready) Miss Maine's Marvelous Money-raising Musical Review. hahah I know. But you all should make plans to attend. It is going to be a awesome night full of Broadway tunes and great dancing, a silent auction, raffles, and a chance to hear me perform my song for Miss America! Save the date for Oct. 23 and 24!!! So needless to say, I have been busy planning for that.

But life has been good to me so far. Although summer is over, I was able to have one last adventure before buckling down for this coming fall. I recently returned from New Jersey and was able to go to a Yankees game!! Yes, I am a Yankees fan. My dad is from New York and I was brainwashed from an early age. But we happened to go to the game where Derek Jeter tied Lou Gehrig's record for most hits by a Yankee! Wow did the crowd go wild, I love it! The new stadium is awesome as well. The Yankees have a legacy like no other. It was so cool to be there for a history making game!

Now it's back to the grind:) This upcoming weekend is the New England States' Conference! It is going to take place in Framingham, MA and all of the New England states will be there. The weekend will be full of workshops on how to better yourself and get ready for Miss America. All of the contestants will be able to perform our talents in front of Miss America, Katie Stam herself! It should be an exciting weekend.

I hope you all are doing well and having a good first few days of school, if you are still in school that is. I'll keep you posted!

Here are a few events coming up that I am involved with if you have some free time to participate or support!
----The Dempsey Challenge---- dempseychallenge.org
----Operation Tribute------OperationTribute.com